These Romans are Crazy

The last few days have been a bit of a drag as I don't have a lot to do but study for my next exam (yes, there's a Step 3 as well!). During breaks from the incredibly torrid questions on usmleworld I generally turn on the TV and always end up realizing that American TV channels are very similar to Indian channels in one respect - there's usually nothing worth watching on them. A few days back, I was going through my usual routine of changing channels mindlessly, sipping my coffee when I caught the sight of choppers with green hills in the background accompanied by very familiar strains of music. It was a rerun of a TV show I used to love as a kid and brought back memories of the people at the 4077th MASH. From the C.O. Col Potter to the adorable company clerk 'Radar'; 'Hotlips' Hoolahan to the softspoken Father Mulcahy; the unfortunately sane Max Klinger to the almost crazy team of surgeons.

M*A*S*H was one of the few shows that actually at times was so entertaining it stopped me from going to play soccer(that is possibly the biggest compliment a TV show can get out of me). What I realize now is that it wasn't just entertaining , it was also inspiring. I can't really be sure about this but I think it played a part in my choosing medicine as a career, not to mention my wanting to join the armed forces as a doctor (Most of my friends from school might remember my near brush with AFMC). I remember an episode where they're all sitting around singing a song about their own roles at the MASH and the doctors sang "Doctors in the army, they think they're mighty bright, they work on patients through the day and nurses through the night"(Can you blame me for wanting to join AFMC??).

My idol was, and continues to be 'Hawkeye' Pierce. An excellent doctor, a real stand up guy, a good son, and of course, a complete wiseass, I realize that thats all I want to be. (He was also somewhat of a ladies' man, but we all know I gave up on that a long time back. Its always good to be realistic!)

Coming back to American TV shows, the first few times that I watched TV here, I was quite concerned to say the least. The fact that the first few shows I caught were Jerry Springer and Maury should explain my concern. Jerry Springer is one crazy show where people bring all their dirty linen, wash it, wring it and leave it out to dry. They argue, debate and fight about their personal matters. On national TV. Very dysfunctional if you ask me. On Maury there were couples who had children with parental disputes and the results of their paternity tests were read out. On national TV. Incredibly insane in my opinion. Then I happened to watch one of those mad ass "judge" shows. Another opportunity for the average American to do his weekly laundry- on TV - and try to get some compensation for it as well.

By now I've learnt not to wander away from the known and safe territory of sitcoms as these crazy things on TV were skewing my opinion on how dysfunctional American society actually is.(Before this I thought The Simpsons were the yardstick for the same, and I dont mean Ashlee and Jessica-although I'm sure they wouldnt be too far behind. In the same token, I would certainly not want people to judge Indian society by the mind bogglingly sappy drivel doled out by Ekkkkta Kapoor and the rest of her K-tribe.)

I feel a lot like Asterix when he taps his head and says "These Romans are crazy".